The the Ten Virgins: Neville Goddard’s Parable Interpretation

The Biblical Parable

A source-grounded study of Neville Goddard’s psychological interpretation of The the Ten Virgins, consolidated from 4 original lectures and books.

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Neville’s Interpretation

The "oil in the lamp" represents joy and positive mental focus. The wise virgins are those who cultivate a disciplined mind, focusing on lovely and virtuous things, thereby experiencing mystical phenomena and inner expansion. The foolish virgins lack this inner joy and discipline.

— Assumptions Harden Into Facts

Neville only mentions this parable as part of Matthew 25, without providing a detailed interpretation in this lecture. It is presented as one of the parables that make up the chapter.

— Come O Blessed

Neville interprets the parable of the ten virgins metaphysically. The 'oil' represents the understanding of one's own limitless divine nature. Before union with the 'true bridegroom' (the Lord, who is all love), one believes in limits to giving or receiving. However, upon achieving this union, one realizes there are no limits, and 'everything is possible.' The wise virgins represent those who have cultivated this inner understanding.

— The First Principle

The parable of the ten virgins is interpreted psychologically. The 'wise virgins' represent a disciplined mind that focuses on joyful, lovely thoughts and builds visions of perfection, thus having 'oil in their lamp' (joy and positive focus). The 'foolish virgins' represent an undisciplined mind that entertains unlovely thoughts and conversations, lacking this 'oil' or positive mental sustenance. Becoming the wise virgin leads to an expansion of consciousness and mystical experiences.

— How To Manifest Your Desires

Characters as States

• Wise Virgins: Those who discipline their minds, focus on positive thoughts, and cultivate inner joy (oil in their lamp).

• Foolish Virgins: Those who lack mental discipline and inner joy, giving attention to unlovely things (without oil in their lamp).

• Ten Virgins: Represent different states of consciousness regarding the understanding of divine limitless power.

• Five Wise Virgins: Represent those who have cultivated the inner understanding (oil) of their limitless divine nature.

• Five Foolish Virgins: Represent those who believe in limits and have not cultivated the inner understanding (oil).

• Oil: Represents the understanding of one's own limitless divine nature and the power of consciousness.

• Bridegroom: Represents the Lord, who is all love, and union with whom reveals the limitless nature of reality.

• Wise Virgins: A disciplined mind, focused on joyful and lovely thoughts, building visions of perfection, filled with 'oil' (joy and positive mental sustenance).

• Foolish Virgins: An undisciplined mind, entertaining unlovely thoughts and conversations, lacking 'oil' (joy and positive mental sustenance).

Practical Meaning

• Cultivate a disciplined mind by focusing only on what is lovely and of good report, filling your consciousness with joy ("oil") to ensure your "lamp" (awareness) is always lit for manifestation.
• Cultivate the inner understanding that there are no limits to what you can give or receive, as your true nature (union with the 'bridegroom') is limitless love and power. Do not seek 'oil' (understanding) from others, but develop it within yourself.
• To manifest desires and experience an expansion of consciousness, one must become the 'wise virgin' by disciplining the mind, observing thoughts, refusing unlovely conversations, and focusing only on what brings joy and builds desired visions.

Related Themes

• Mental Discipline
• Joy
• Positive Focus
• Consciousness
• Mystical Experiences
• Parables
• Limitless Power
• Divine Union
• Understanding
• Love
• Mental discipline
• Thought control

Complete Sources

• Assumptions Harden Into Facts
• Come O Blessed
• The First Principle
• How To Manifest Your Desires